/New Partnership Brings Unique Winter Craft Market to Edinburgh
MNB Scotland CIC has announced a new collaboration with Out of the Blue to organize the annual Winter Arts Market at the Drill Hall, introducing the MNB Winter Craft Market. This partnership will enhance the festive experience in Edinburgh by blending MNB’s expertise in independent craft markets with the creative heritage of the Drill Hall.
For the first time, the MNB Christmas event will span two full days, taking place on December 5 and 6, 2026. The objective is to create a distinctive, community-oriented Christmas market that offers an enriching experience for visitors over the weekend.
Central to the MNB Winter Craft Market is a commitment to showcasing independent makers and artists, offering a platform for authentic handmade goods. The market will strictly feature 100% handmade items, eschewing mass-produced products and AI-generated work. Attendees will have the chance to explore unique creations, connect with the artisans, and support local creative enterprises directly.
While Edinburgh is home to numerous Christmas markets, the MNB Winter Craft Market aims to differentiate itself by emphasizing authentic craftsmanship. The collaboration seeks to draw attention back to local creators and provide an alternative to mainstream markets, inviting both residents and visitors to celebrate the city’s rich creative community.
In addition to shopping, the event will also feature four Christmas-themed workshops, allowing participants to engage with the creative process and create personalized gifts for their loved ones.
This collaboration marks a significant step for MNB, uniting the strengths of both organizations in support of Edinburgh’s vibrant independent arts scene.
“We’re incredibly excited to be joining forces with Out of the Blue and to have been entrusted with this new chapter for the Winter Arts Market. This is a big moment for MNB. Not only are we bringing our Christmas event to the Drill Hall, but for the first time in our history we’re creating a full two-day Christmas market experience. We want to thank the Out of the Blue team for their trust in MNB. We cannot wait to get cracking, join forces and share everything we have planned for what we hope will be an incredible weekend,” said Selena Gray, Founder of MNB Scotland CIC.
Out of the Blue Chief Executive, Rob Hoon, added, “Out of the Blue support artists to help make Edinburgh a thriving hotbed of creativity all year round. Providing space for artists to create and sell their work means they can earn a living, and people get to own the beautiful handcrafted fruits of the artists’ labour! Out of the Blue is delighted to be collaborating with MNB for this year’s Winter Craft Market.”
Further details regarding participating makers, workshops, and the weekend program will be announced in the coming months.
Event Details:
MNB Winter Craft Market in collaboration with Out of the Blue
Venue: OOTB Drill Hall, Edinburgh
Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026
Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM each day, with a sensory hour from 10 AM – 11 AM (a calm experience with no music or flashing lights)
Admission: Free (tickets available on Skiddle)
Features: Over 30 curated independent makers and artists’ stalls each day, all products handmade, four Christmas workshops (ticketed), and delightful food and drinks from the Drill Hall Café throughout the event.
